Are you passionate about how images shape justice and human rights? The University of Copenhagen offers a fully funded PhD position on images and justice starting in 2026. This three-year scholarship lets you dive into the world of visual evidence from violence and war crimes. It’s part of the exciting ERC-funded project called Before the Image.
About the “Before the Image” Project
The Before the Image project looks at how images of violence, war crimes, and human rights abuses get made, understood, and checked for truth. It goes beyond just the photo itself to study cameras, training in visual skills, and open-source checks. Led by Nina Grønlykke Mollerup at the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, the team works with the group Pax Memoria.
This work matters because images often serve as proof in courts and fights for justice. The project asks how people see truth in pictures, especially under legal pressure. You will join an interdisciplinary team to explore these ideas.
Key Research Tasks for the PhD
Your main job will be to study how visual skills, memory, and training affect how people read images of harm and rights violations. This includes hands-on work like:
- Doing fieldwork at trainings for open-source investigations.
- Talking to trainers and people who check images.
- Learning tools like geolocation, chronolocation, and visual checks.
- Comparing how experts and regular people view tough visual proof.
- Building an interactive exhibit with eye-tracking tech, visitor feedback, and tests on image reading.
The exhibit will show real ways people make sense of images. You will mix research with public events to share findings.
Benefits of This PhD Position
This spot comes fully funded with a strong salary. You get about DKK 31,200 per month, or around EUR 4,100, plus 18.07% for pension. There is also money for travel and stays abroad.
The University of Copenhagen ranks high in Europe and joins the IARU network. You will work in a welcoming place that supports diverse people and families moving there. Your research will touch big topics like human rights docs, digital checks, and media skills.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility
You need a Master’s degree or equal in fields like anthropology, sociology, psychology, human rights, or similar. Show skills in ethnographic methods, interviews, and handling sensitive topics. Love for visual culture and justice helps a lot.
Strong English speaking and writing are musts. Extra languages or work with civil groups are bonuses. The start date is September 1, 2026.
What to Submit in Your Application
Put together these items:
- A one-page personal statement.
- A one-page CV.
- School transcripts and degrees.
- A 3-5 page project idea that fits the Before the Image goals but adds your own spin.
- Any other school papers, with translations if needed.
Make your project description clear and tied to the team’s aims.
Deadline and Application Steps
Apply by May 27, 2026, at 23:59 CEST. Interviews happen June 22 or 24, 2026, and you can join online.
Go to the University of Copenhagen’s job portal to submit. Apply here. For details, check the full listing here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for this PhD position?
You must apply by May 27, 2026, at 23:59 CEST through the University of Copenhagen’s job portal.
What are the main research tasks for this PhD?
You will study visual skills and memory in reading images of harm, do fieldwork at trainings, interview experts, learn verification tools, and build an interactive exhibit.
What benefits does this PhD offer?
It is fully funded with a monthly salary of about DKK 31,200 (EUR 4,100) plus pension, and includes funds for travel and stays abroad.
Who is eligible to apply?
You need a Master’s degree in fields like anthropology or human rights, skills in ethnographic methods, and strong English proficiency; the start date is September 1, 2026.
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